Month of Mentoring: Be the Change takes mentoring to a group level

Be the Change founder and executive director Sandra Candia (center left) stand with 2017 graduates of the BTC program at Lee High School.

Be the Change founder and executive director Sandra Candia (center left) stand with 2017 graduates of the BTC program at Lee High School.

Photo: Courtesy Photo

Photo: Courtesy Photo

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Be the Change founder and executive director Sandra Candia (center left) stand with 2017 graduates of the BTC program at Lee High School.

Be the Change founder and executive director Sandra Candia (center left) stand with 2017 graduates of the BTC program at Lee High School.

Photo: Courtesy Photo

Month of Mentoring: Be the Change takes mentoring to a group level

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January is designated as National Mentoring Month. The campaign, which began in 2002 by Mentor, the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Harvard School of Public Health, promotes youth mentoring throughout the country. Throughout this month, we’ll look at local agencies that use mentors as well as the impact they have on area youth.

Sandra Candia, executive director of Be the Change Permian Basin discussed how mentoring looks a bit different for her organization, but the outcome is all positive.

MRT: How does mentoring work with Be the Change Permian Basin?

Candia: We do a program called Challenge Days. We will work with students to inspire positive change and create an organization in their school to be that change. We help them look at things they notice or may not agree with. They work to combat things like bullying or name-calling.

MRT: What are some ways they do that?

Candia: We ask them to write cards, post positive things on social media. They will choose not to share negative things.

MRT: Mentoring with Be the Change isn’t a one-on-one process like other programming.

Candia: We do it differently. We mentor these kids as a larger group. It’s through the whole school year and we meet every other week on campus of the participating school. We show them the resources that are available now to them. Also, through the program, we will also help them do community service or a project. This way, they can not only make a difference at their school, but also the city they live in.

MRT: How have you seen the impact of the program?

Candia: First, I feel like this is a place that’s safe for them and that we can help with whatever they have going on that day. But the impact is so positive. The students really want to be part of the solution. If given the space and opportunity, they will step up to the plate. They just want someone in their corner rooting for them. They want to do good, and I’ve seen it. They have these unique ideas that end up making a difference in the lives of others.

MRT: What’s important about mentoring?

Candia: The consistency of it and loving and accepting these children for who they are.

MRT: How can people get involved with Be the Change?

Candia: We always need volunteers. We have different ways to get involved at different levels. All we need is a background check to move forward. All they have to do is visit our website --bethechangepermianbasin.org.